Junta chief Sr. Gen. Than Shwe urged the people to guard the country against "neo-colonialists" who are trying to encroach on other countries and to strive for the successful implementation of a state-sponsored seven-point road map to democracy. Declared by the government in August 2003, this includes the resumption of the suspended national convention to write a constitution as the first step, and the formation of a democratic government by members elected in a general election.

The NLD, in its statement, reiterated its call for the release of all political prisoners, including party Vice Chairman Tin Oo and General Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi, to create a favorable environment for dialogue with the junta. The junta responded Nov. 28 by extending Suu Kyi's house arrest by six months.

National Day is a public holiday that commemorates a boycott by Yangon University students who protested rigid regulations imposed on students by British colonial rulers. On Dec. 5, 1920, students of Yangon University staged a strike, which spread to all high schools in the country, forcing the British government's education authorities to change the regulations. The rebellion inspired the independence movement.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 3, 2005
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